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Carden H, Harper KL, Mottram TJ, Manners O, Allott KL, Dallas ML, Hughes DJ, Lippiat JD, Mankouri J, Whitehouse A. K v1.3-induced hyperpolarization is required for efficient Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus lytic replication. Sci Signal 2024; 17:eadg4124. [PMID: 39012937 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.adg4124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is an oncogenic herpesvirus that is linked directly to the development of Kaposi's sarcoma. KSHV establishes a latent infection in B cells, which can be reactivated to initiate lytic replication, producing infectious virions. Using pharmacological and genetic silencing approaches, we showed that the voltage-gated K+ channel Kv1.3 in B cells enhanced KSHV lytic replication. The KSHV replication and transcription activator (RTA) protein increased the abundance of Kv1.3 and led to enhanced K+ channel activity and hyperpolarization of the B cell membrane. Enhanced Kv1.3 activity promoted intracellular Ca2+ influx, leading to the Ca2+-driven nuclear localization of KSHV RTA and host nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) proteins and subsequently increased the expression of NFAT1 target genes. KSHV lytic replication and infectious virion production were inhibited by Kv1.3 blockers or silencing. These findings highlight Kv1.3 as a druggable host factor that is key to the successful completion of KSHV lytic replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holli Carden
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT Leeds, UK
| | - Katherine L Harper
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT Leeds, UK
| | - Timothy J Mottram
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT Leeds, UK
| | - Oliver Manners
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT Leeds, UK
| | - Katie L Allott
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT Leeds, UK
| | - Mark L Dallas
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, RG6 6AP Reading, UK
| | - David J Hughes
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, KY16 9ST St Andrews, UK
| | - Jonathan D Lippiat
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT Leeds, UK
| | - Jamel Mankouri
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT Leeds, UK
| | - Adrian Whitehouse
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT Leeds, UK
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa
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2
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Guo Q, Fu J, Yuan L, Liao Y, Li M, Li X, Yi B, Zhang J, Gao B. Diversity analysis of sea anemone peptide toxins in different tissues of Heteractis crispa based on transcriptomics. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7684. [PMID: 38561372 PMCID: PMC10985097 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58402-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Peptide toxins found in sea anemones venom have diverse properties that make them important research subjects in the fields of pharmacology, neuroscience and biotechnology. This study used high-throughput sequencing technology to systematically analyze the venom components of the tentacles, column, and mesenterial filaments of sea anemone Heteractis crispa, revealing the diversity and complexity of sea anemone toxins in different tissues. A total of 1049 transcripts were identified and categorized into 60 families, of which 91.0% were proteins and 9.0% were peptides. Of those 1049 transcripts, 416, 291, and 307 putative proteins and peptide precursors were identified from tentacles, column, and mesenterial filaments respectively, while 428 were identified when the datasets were combined. Of these putative toxin sequences, 42 were detected in all three tissues, including 33 proteins and 9 peptides, with the majority of peptides being ShKT domain, β-defensin, and Kunitz-type. In addition, this study applied bioinformatics approaches to predict the family classification, 3D structures, and functional annotation of these representative peptides, as well as the evolutionary relationships between peptides, laying the foundation for the next step of peptide pharmacological activity research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiqi Guo
- Engineering Research Center of Tropical Medicine Innovation and Transformation, Ministry of Education, International Joint Research Center of Human-machine Intelligent Collaborative for Tumor Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Hainan Province, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Jinxing Fu
- Engineering Research Center of Tropical Medicine Innovation and Transformation, Ministry of Education, International Joint Research Center of Human-machine Intelligent Collaborative for Tumor Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Hainan Province, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Lin Yuan
- Engineering Research Center of Tropical Medicine Innovation and Transformation, Ministry of Education, International Joint Research Center of Human-machine Intelligent Collaborative for Tumor Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Hainan Province, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
- Department of Pharmacy, 928th Hospital of PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Haikou, China
| | - Yanling Liao
- Engineering Research Center of Tropical Medicine Innovation and Transformation, Ministry of Education, International Joint Research Center of Human-machine Intelligent Collaborative for Tumor Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Hainan Province, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Ming Li
- Engineering Research Center of Tropical Medicine Innovation and Transformation, Ministry of Education, International Joint Research Center of Human-machine Intelligent Collaborative for Tumor Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Hainan Province, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Xinzhong Li
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Bo Yi
- Department of Pharmacy, 928th Hospital of PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Haikou, China
| | - Junqing Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Tropical Medicine Innovation and Transformation, Ministry of Education, International Joint Research Center of Human-machine Intelligent Collaborative for Tumor Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Hainan Province, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China.
| | - Bingmiao Gao
- Engineering Research Center of Tropical Medicine Innovation and Transformation, Ministry of Education, International Joint Research Center of Human-machine Intelligent Collaborative for Tumor Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Hainan Province, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China.
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Hoepner CM, Stewart ZK, Qiao R, Fobert EK, Prentis PJ, Colella A, Chataway T, Burke da Silva K, Abbott CA. Proteotransciptomics of the Most Popular Host Sea Anemone Entacmaea quadricolor Reveals Not All Toxin Genes Expressed by Tentacles Are Recruited into Its Venom Arsenal. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:85. [PMID: 38393163 PMCID: PMC10893224 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16020085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
While the unique symbiotic relationship between anemonefishes and sea anemones is iconic, it is still not fully understood how anemonefishes can withstand and thrive within the venomous environment of their host sea anemone. In this study, we used a proteotranscriptomics approach to elucidate the proteinaceous toxin repertoire from the most common host sea anemone, Entacmaea quadricolor. Although 1251 different toxin or toxin-like RNA transcripts were expressed in E. quadricolor tentacles (0.05% of gene clusters, 1.8% of expression) and 5375 proteins were detected in milked venom, only 4% of proteins detected in venom were putative toxins (230), and they only represent on average 14% of the normalised protein expression in the milked venom samples. Thus, most proteins in milked venom do not appear to have a toxin function. This work raises the perils of defining a dominant venom phenotype based on transcriptomics data alone in sea anemones, as we found that the dominant venom phenotype differs between the transcriptome and proteome abundance data. E. quadricolor venom contains a mixture of toxin-like proteins of unknown and known function. A newly identified toxin protein family, Z3, rich in conserved cysteines of unknown function, was the most abundant at the RNA transcript and protein levels. The venom was also rich in toxins from the Protease S1, Kunitz-type and PLA2 toxin protein families and contains toxins from eight venom categories. Exploring the intricate venom toxin components in other host sea anemones will be crucial for improving our understanding of how anemonefish adapt to the venomous environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassie M. Hoepner
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Zachary K. Stewart
- Centre for Agriculture and Bioeconomy, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia
| | - Robert Qiao
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Emily K. Fobert
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Peter J. Prentis
- Centre for Agriculture and Bioeconomy, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia
| | - Alex Colella
- Flinders Proteomics Facility, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Tim Chataway
- Flinders Proteomics Facility, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Karen Burke da Silva
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Catherine A. Abbott
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
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4
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Sanches K, Ashwood LM, Olushola-Siedoks AAM, Wai DCC, Rahman A, Shakeel K, Naseem MU, Panyi G, Prentis PJ, Norton RS. Structure-function relationships in ShKT domain peptides: ShKT-Ts1 from the sea anemone Telmatactis stephensoni. Proteins 2024; 92:192-205. [PMID: 37794633 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Diverse structural scaffolds have been described in peptides from sea anemones, with the ShKT domain being a common scaffold first identified in ShK toxin from Stichodactyla helianthus. ShK is a potent blocker of voltage-gated potassium channels (KV 1.x), and an analog, ShK-186 (dalazatide), has completed Phase 1 clinical trials in plaque psoriasis. The ShKT domain has been found in numerous other species, but only a tiny fraction of ShKT domains has been characterized functionally. Despite adopting the canonical ShK fold, some ShKT peptides from sea anemones inhibit KV 1.x, while others do not. Mutagenesis studies have shown that a Lys-Tyr (KY) dyad plays a key role in KV 1.x blockade, although a cationic residue followed by a hydrophobic residue may also suffice. Nevertheless, ShKT peptides displaying an ShK-like fold and containing a KY dyad do not necessarily block potassium channels, so additional criteria are needed to determine whether new ShKT peptides might show activity against potassium channels. In this study, we used a combination of NMR and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to assess the potential activity of a new ShKT peptide. We determined the structure of ShKT-Ts1, from the sea anemone Telmatactis stephensoni, examined its tissue localization, and investigated its activity against a range of ion channels. As ShKT-Ts1 showed no activity against KV 1.x channels, we used MD simulations to investigate whether solvent exposure of the dyad residues may be informative in rationalizing and potentially predicting the ability of ShKT peptides to block KV 1.x channels. We show that either a buried dyad that does not become exposed during MD simulations, or a partially exposed dyad that becomes buried during MD simulations, correlates with weak or absent activity against KV 1.x channels. Therefore, structure determination coupled with MD simulations, may be used to predict whether new sequences belonging to the ShKT family may act as potassium channel blockers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karoline Sanches
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lauren M Ashwood
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Dorothy C C Wai
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Arfatur Rahman
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kashmala Shakeel
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Muhammad Umair Naseem
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Gyorgy Panyi
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Peter J Prentis
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Raymond S Norton
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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5
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Elnahriry KA, Wai DCC, Ashwood LM, Naseem MU, Szanto TG, Guo S, Panyi G, Prentis PJ, Norton RS. Structural and functional characterisation of Tst2, a novel TRPV1 inhibitory peptide from the Australian sea anemone Telmatactis stephensoni. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2024; 1872:140952. [PMID: 37640250 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2023.140952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Sea anemone venoms are complex mixtures of biologically active compounds, including disulfide-rich peptides, some of which have found applications as research tools, and others as therapeutic leads. Our recent transcriptomic and proteomic studies of the Australian sea anemone Telmatactis stephensoni identified a transcript for a peptide designated Tst2. Tst2 is a 38-residue peptide showing sequence similarity to peptide toxins known to interact with a range of ion channels (NaV, TRPV1, KV and CaV). Recombinant Tst2 (rTst2, which contains an additional Gly at the N-terminus) was produced by periplasmic expression in Escherichia coli, enabling the production of both unlabelled and uniformly 13C,15N-labelled peptide for functional assays and structural studies. The LC-MS profile of the recombinant Tst2 showed a pure peak with molecular mass 6 Da less than that of the reduced form of the peptide, indicating the successful formation of three disulfide bonds from its six cysteine residues. The solution structure of rTst2 was determined using multidimensional NMR spectroscopy and revealed that rTst2 adopts an inhibitor cystine knot (ICK) structure. rTst2 was screened using various functional assays, including patch-clamp electrophysiological and cytotoxicity assays. rTst2 was inactive against voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV) and the human voltage-gated proton (hHv1) channel. rTst2 also did not possess cytotoxic activity when assessed against Drosophila melanogaster flies. However, the recombinant peptide at 100 nM showed >50% inhibition of the transient receptor potential subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) and slight (∼10%) inhibition of transient receptor potential subfamily A member 1 (TRPA1). Tst2 is thus a novel ICK inhibitor of the TRPV1 channel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled A Elnahriry
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Dorothy C C Wai
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Lauren M Ashwood
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
| | - Muhammad Umair Naseem
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen 4032, Hungary
| | - Tibor G Szanto
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen 4032, Hungary
| | - Shaodong Guo
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Gyorgy Panyi
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen 4032, Hungary
| | - Peter J Prentis
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia; Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
| | - Raymond S Norton
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia.
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6
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Chandy KG, Sanches K, Norton RS. Structure of the voltage-gated potassium channel K V1.3: Insights into the inactivated conformation and binding to therapeutic leads. Channels (Austin) 2023; 17:2253104. [PMID: 37695839 PMCID: PMC10496531 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2023.2253104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The voltage-gated potassium channel KV1.3 is an important therapeutic target for the treatment of autoimmune and neuroinflammatory diseases. The recent structures of KV1.3, Shaker-IR (wild-type and inactivating W434F mutant) and an inactivating mutant of rat KV1.2-KV2.1 paddle chimera (KVChim-W362F+S367T+V377T) reveal that the transition of voltage-gated potassium channels from the open-conducting conformation into the non-conducting inactivated conformation involves the rupture of a key intra-subunit hydrogen bond that tethers the selectivity filter to the pore helix. Breakage of this bond allows the side chains of residues at the external end of the selectivity filter (Tyr447 and Asp449 in KV1.3) to rotate outwards, dilating the outer pore and disrupting ion permeation. Binding of the peptide dalazatide (ShK-186) and an antibody-ShK fusion to the external vestibule of KV1.3 narrows and stabilizes the selectivity filter in the open-conducting conformation, although K+ efflux is blocked by the peptide occluding the pore through the interaction of ShK-Lys22 with the backbone carbonyl of KV1.3-Tyr447 in the selectivity filter. Electrophysiological studies on ShK and the closely-related peptide HmK show that ShK blocks KV1.3 with significantly higher potency, even though molecular dynamics simulations show that ShK is more flexible than HmK. Binding of the anti-KV1.3 nanobody A0194009G09 to the turret and residues in the external loops of the voltage-sensing domain enhances the dilation of the outer selectivity filter in an exaggerated inactivated conformation. These studies lay the foundation to further define the mechanism of slow inactivation in KV channels and can help guide the development of future KV1.3-targeted immuno-therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. George Chandy
- LKCMedicine-ICESing Ion Channel Platform, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Karoline Sanches
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Raymond S. Norton
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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7
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Costa L, Sousa E, Fernandes C. Cyclic Peptides in Pipeline: What Future for These Great Molecules? Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:996. [PMID: 37513908 PMCID: PMC10386233 DOI: 10.3390/ph16070996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclic peptides are molecules that are already used as drugs in therapies approved for various pharmacological activities, for example, as antibiotics, antifungals, anticancer, and immunosuppressants. Interest in these molecules has been growing due to the improved pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of the cyclic structure over linear peptides and by the evolution of chemical synthesis, computational, and in vitro methods. To date, 53 cyclic peptides have been approved by different regulatory authorities, and many others are in clinical trials for a wide diversity of conditions. In this review, the potential of cyclic peptides is presented, and general aspects of their synthesis and development are discussed. Furthermore, an overview of already approved cyclic peptides is also given, and the cyclic peptides in clinical trials are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lia Costa
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), Edifício do Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4050-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Emília Sousa
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), Edifício do Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4050-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Carla Fernandes
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), Edifício do Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4050-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
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8
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Ashwood LM, Elnahriry KA, Stewart ZK, Shafee T, Naseem MU, Szanto TG, van der Burg CA, Smith HL, Surm JM, Undheim EAB, Madio B, Hamilton BR, Guo S, Wai DCC, Coyne VL, Phillips MJ, Dudley KJ, Hurwood DA, Panyi G, King GF, Pavasovic A, Norton RS, Prentis PJ. Genomic, functional and structural analyses elucidate evolutionary innovation within the sea anemone 8 toxin family. BMC Biol 2023; 21:121. [PMID: 37226201 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01617-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ShK toxin from Stichodactyla helianthus has established the therapeutic potential of sea anemone venom peptides, but many lineage-specific toxin families in Actiniarians remain uncharacterised. One such peptide family, sea anemone 8 (SA8), is present in all five sea anemone superfamilies. We explored the genomic arrangement and evolution of the SA8 gene family in Actinia tenebrosa and Telmatactis stephensoni, characterised the expression patterns of SA8 sequences, and examined the structure and function of SA8 from the venom of T. stephensoni. RESULTS We identified ten SA8-family genes in two clusters and six SA8-family genes in five clusters for T. stephensoni and A. tenebrosa, respectively. Nine SA8 T. stephensoni genes were found in a single cluster, and an SA8 peptide encoded by an inverted SA8 gene from this cluster was recruited to venom. We show that SA8 genes in both species are expressed in a tissue-specific manner and the inverted SA8 gene has a unique tissue distribution. While the functional activity of the SA8 putative toxin encoded by the inverted gene was inconclusive, its tissue localisation is similar to toxins used for predator deterrence. We demonstrate that, although mature SA8 putative toxins have similar cysteine spacing to ShK, SA8 peptides are distinct from ShK peptides based on structure and disulfide connectivity. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide the first demonstration that SA8 is a unique gene family in Actiniarians, evolving through a variety of structural changes including tandem and proximal gene duplication and an inversion event that together allowed SA8 to be recruited into the venom of T. stephensoni.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Ashwood
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia.
- Cancer Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4006, Australia.
| | - Khaled A Elnahriry
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Zachary K Stewart
- Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
| | - Thomas Shafee
- Department of Animal Plant & Soil Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
- Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Muhammad Umair Naseem
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Tibor G Szanto
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Chloé A van der Burg
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
| | - Hayden L Smith
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
| | - Joachim M Surm
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 9190401, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Eivind A B Undheim
- Department of Biosciences, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, University of Oslo, Blindern, PO Box 1066, 0316, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Bruno Madio
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Brett R Hamilton
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
- Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Shaodong Guo
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Dorothy C C Wai
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Victoria L Coyne
- Research Infrastructure, Central Analytical Research Facility, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
| | - Matthew J Phillips
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
| | - Kevin J Dudley
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
- Research Infrastructure, Central Analytical Research Facility, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
| | - David A Hurwood
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
- Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
| | - Gyorgy Panyi
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Glenn F King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
- ARC Centre for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Ana Pavasovic
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
| | - Raymond S Norton
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Peter J Prentis
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
- Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
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9
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Lee RD, Chen YJ, Singh L, Nguyen HM, Wulff H. Immunocytoprotection after reperfusion with Kv1.3 inhibitors has an extended treatment window for ischemic stroke. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1190476. [PMID: 37180699 PMCID: PMC10166874 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1190476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Mechanical thrombectomy has improved treatment options and outcomes for acute ischemic stroke with large artery occlusion. However, as the time window of endovascular thrombectomy is extended there is an increasing need to develop immunocytoprotective therapies that can reduce inflammation in the penumbra and prevent reperfusion injury. We previously demonstrated, that by reducing neuroinflammation, KV1.3 inhibitors can improve outcomes not only in young male rodents but also in female and aged animals. To further explore the therapeutic potential of KV1.3 inhibitors for stroke therapy, we here directly compared a peptidic and a small molecule KV1.3 blocker and asked whether KV1.3 inhibition would still be beneficial when started at 72 hours after reperfusion. Methods: Transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO, 90-min) was induced in male Wistar rats and neurological deficit assessed daily. On day-8 infarction was determined by T2-weighted MRI and inflammatory marker expression in the brain by quantitative PCR. Potential interactions with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) were evaluated in-vitro with a chromogenic assay. Results: In a direct comparison with administration started at 2 hours after reperfusion, the small molecule PAP-1 significantly improved outcomes on day-8, while the peptide ShK-223 failed to reduce infarction and neurological deficits despite reducing inflammatory marker expression. PAP-1 still provided benefits when started 72 hours after reperfusion. PAP-1 does not reduce the proteolytic activity of tPA. Discussion: Our studies suggest that KV1.3 inhibition for immunocytoprotection after ischemic stroke has a wide therapeutic window for salvaging the inflammatory penumbra and requires brain-penetrant small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth D. Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Yi-Je Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Animal Models Core, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Latika Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Hai M. Nguyen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Heike Wulff
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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10
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Wang Y, Hurley A, De Giorgi M, Tanner MR, Hu RC, Pennington MW, Lagor WR, Beeton C. Adeno-Associated virus 8 delivers an immunomodulatory peptide to mouse liver more efficiently than to rat liver. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0283996. [PMID: 37040361 PMCID: PMC10089316 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeting the Kv1.3 potassium channel has proven effective in reducing obesity and the severity of animal models of autoimmune disease. Stichodactyla toxin (ShK), isolated from the sea anemone Stichodactyla helianthus, is a potent blocker of Kv1.3. Several of its analogs are some of the most potent and selective blockers of this channel. However, like most biologics, ShK and its analogs require injections for their delivery, and repeated injections reduce patient compliance during the treatment of chronic diseases. We hypothesized that inducing the expression of an ShK analog by hepatocytes would remove the requirement for frequent injections and lead to a sustained level of Kv1.3 blocker in the circulation. To this goal, we tested the ability of Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV)8 vectors to target hepatocytes for expressing the ShK analog, ShK-235 (AAV-ShK-235) in rodents. We designed AAV8 vectors expressing the target transgene, ShK-235, or Enhanced Green fluorescent protein (EGFP). Transduction of mouse livers led to the production of sufficient levels of functional ShK-235 in the serum from AAV-ShK-235 single-injected mice to block Kv1.3 channels. However, AAV-ShK-235 therapy was not effective in reducing high-fat diet-induced obesity in mice. In addition, injection of even high doses of AAV8-ShK-235 to rats resulted in a very low liver transduction efficiency and failed to reduce inflammation in a well-established rat model of delayed-type hypersensitivity. In conclusion, the AAV8-based delivery of ShK-235 was highly effective in inducing the secretion of functional Kv1.3-blocking peptide in mouse, but not rat, hepatocytes yet did not reduce obesity in mice fed a high-fat diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Wang
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Ayrea Hurley
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Marco De Giorgi
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Mark R. Tanner
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Rong-Chi Hu
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | | | - William R. Lagor
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Christine Beeton
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
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11
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A bioengineered probiotic for the oral delivery of a peptide Kv1.3 channel blocker to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2211977120. [PMID: 36595694 PMCID: PMC9926172 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2211977120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Engineered microbes for the delivery of biologics are a promising avenue for the treatment of various conditions such as chronic inflammatory disorders and metabolic disease. In this study, we developed a genetically engineered probiotic delivery system that delivers a peptide to the intestinal tract with high efficacy. We constructed an inducible system in the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri to secrete the Kv1.3 potassium blocker ShK-235 (LrS235). We show that LrS235 culture supernatants block Kv1.3 currents and preferentially inhibit human T effector memory (TEM) lymphocyte proliferation in vitro. A single oral gavage of healthy rats with LrS235 resulted in sufficient functional ShK-235 in the circulation to reduce inflammation in a delayed-type hypersensitivity model of atopic dermatitis mediated by TEM cells. Furthermore, the daily oral gavage of LrS235 dramatically reduced clinical signs of disease and joint inflammation in rats with a model of rheumatoid arthritis without eliciting immunogenicity against ShK-235. This work demonstrates the efficacy of using the probiotic L. reuteri as a novel oral delivery platform for the peptide ShK-235 and provides an efficacious strategy to deliver other biologics with great translational potential.
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12
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Naseem MU, Carcamo-Noriega E, Beltrán-Vidal J, Borrego J, Szanto TG, Zamudio FZ, Delgado-Prudencio G, Possani LD, Panyi G. Cm28, a scorpion toxin having a unique primary structure, inhibits KV1.2 and KV1.3 with high affinity. J Gen Physiol 2022; 154:213282. [PMID: 35699659 PMCID: PMC9202693 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202213146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The Cm28 in the venom of Centruroides margaritatus is a short peptide consisting of 27 amino acid residues with a mol wt of 2,820 D. Cm28 has <40% similarity with other known α-KTx from scorpions and lacks the typical functional dyad (lysine-tyrosine) required to block KV channels. However, its unique sequence contains the three disulfide-bond traits of the α-KTx scorpion toxin family. We propose that Cm28 is the first example of a new subfamily of α-KTxs, registered with the systematic number α-KTx32.1. Cm28 inhibited voltage-gated K+ channels KV1.2 and KV1.3 with Kd values of 0.96 and 1.3 nM, respectively. There was no significant shift in the conductance-voltage (G-V) relationship for any of the channels in the presence of toxin. Toxin binding kinetics showed that the association and dissociation rates are consistent with a bimolecular interaction between the peptide and the channel. Based on these, we conclude that Cm28 is not a gating modifier but rather a pore blocker. In a selectivity assay, Cm28 at 150 nM concentration (>100× Kd value for KV1.3) did not inhibit KV1.5, KV11.1, KCa1.1, and KCa3.1 K+ channels; NaV1.5 and NaV1.4 Na+ channels; or the hHV1 H+ channel but blocked ∼27% of the KV1.1 current. In a biological functional assay, Cm28 strongly inhibited the expression of the activation markers interleukin-2 receptor and CD40 ligand in anti-CD3-activated human CD4+ effector memory T lymphocytes. Cm28, due to its unique structure, may serve as a template for the generation of novel peptides targeting KV1.3 in autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Umair Naseem
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Research Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Edson Carcamo-Noriega
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - José Beltrán-Vidal
- Grupo de Investigaciones Herpetológicas y Toxinológicas, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y de la Educación, Universidad del Cauca, Popayán, Colombia
| | - Jesus Borrego
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Research Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Tibor G. Szanto
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Research Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Fernando Z. Zamudio
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Gustavo Delgado-Prudencio
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Lourival D. Possani
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Gyorgy Panyi
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Research Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary,Correspondence to Gyorgy Panyi:
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13
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sVmKTx, a transcriptome analysis-based synthetic peptide analogue of Vm24, inhibits Kv1.3 channels of human T cells with improved selectivity. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 199:115023. [PMID: 35358481 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Kv1.3 K+ channels play a central role in the regulation of T cell activation and Ca2+ signaling under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Peptide toxins targeting Kv1.3 have a significant therapeutic potential in the treatment of autoimmune diseases; thus, the discovery of new toxins is highly motivated. Based on the transcriptome analysis of the venom gland of V. mexicanus smithi a novel synthetic peptide, sVmKTx was generated, containing 36 amino acid residues. sVmKTx shows high sequence similarity to Vm24, a previously characterized peptide from the same species, but contains a Glu at position 32 as opposed to Lys32 in Vm24. Vm24 inhibits Kv1.3 with high affinity (Kd = 2.9 pM). However, it has limited selectivity (~1,500-fold) for Kv1.3 over hKv1.2, hKCa3.1, and mKv1.1. sVmKTx displays reduced Kv1.3 affinity (Kd = 770 pM) but increased selectivity for Kv1.3 over hKv1.2 (~9,000-fold) as compared to Vm24, other channels tested in the panel (hKCa3.1, hKv1.1, hKv1.4, hKv1.5, rKv2.1, hKv11.1, hKCa1.1, hNav1.5) were practically insensitive to the toxin at 2.5 μM. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that introduction of a Glu instead of Lys at position 32 led to a decreased structural fluctuation of the N-terminal segment of sVmKTx, which may explain its increased selectivity for Kv1.3. sVmKTx at 100 nM concentration decreased the expression level of the Ca2+ -dependent T cell activation marker, CD40 ligand. The high affinity block of Kv1.3 and increased selectivity over the natural peptide makes sVmKTx a potential candidate for Kv1.3 blockade-mediated treatment of autoimmune diseases.
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14
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Nicolazzo JA, Pan Y, Di Stefano I, Choy KHC, Reddiar SB, Low YL, Wai DCC, Norton RS, Jin L. Blockade of Microglial Kv1.3 Potassium Channels by the Peptide HsTX1[R14A] Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide-mediated Neuroinflammation. J Pharm Sci 2021; 111:638-647. [PMID: 34767826 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2021.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The expression of voltage-gated potassium Kv1.3 channels is increased in activated microglia, with non-selective blockade reported to attenuate microglial-mediated neuroinflammation. In this study, we evaluated the impact of a potent and selective peptidic blocker of Kv1.3 channels, HsTX1[R14A], on microglial-mediated neuroinflammation in vitro and in vivo. Treatment with both 0.1 and 1 µg/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS) significantly (p < 0.05) increased Kv1.3 abundance on the surface of BV-2 microglia in association with increased levels of mRNA for tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). The increased transcription of TNF-α and IL-6 was significantly attenuated (by 24.9 and 20.2%, respectively) by HsTX1[R14A] (100 nM). The concomitant increase in TNF-α and IL-6 release from BV-2 microglia was significantly attenuated by HsTX1[R14A] by 10.7 and 12.6%, respectively. In LPS-treated primary mouse microglia, the levels of TNF-α and nitric oxide were also attenuated by HsTX1[R14A] (26.1 and 20.4%, respectively). In an LPS-induced mouse model of neuroinflammation, both an immediate and delayed subcutaneous dose of HsTX1[R14A] (2 mg/kg) significantly reduced plasma and brain levels of the pro-inflammatory mediators TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, with no impact on the anti-inflammatory IL-10. These results demonstrate that HsTX1[R14A] is a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of diseases with a neuroinflammatory component.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A Nicolazzo
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Yijun Pan
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Ilenia Di Stefano
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Kwok H C Choy
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Sanjeevini Babu Reddiar
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Yi Ling Low
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Dorothy C C Wai
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Raymond S Norton
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia; ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Liang Jin
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
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15
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Naseem MU, Tajti G, Gaspar A, Szanto TG, Borrego J, Panyi G. Optimization of Pichia pastoris Expression System for High-Level Production of Margatoxin. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:733610. [PMID: 34658872 PMCID: PMC8511391 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.733610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Margatoxin (MgTx) is a high-affinity blocker of voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels. It inhibits Kv1.1–Kv1.3 ion channels in picomolar concentrations. This toxin is widely used to study physiological function of Kv ion channels in various cell types, including immune cells. Isolation of native MgTx in large quantities from scorpion venom is not affordable. Chemical synthesis and recombinant production in Escherichia coli need in vitro oxidative refolding for proper disulfide bond formation, resulting in a very low yield of peptide production. The Pichia pastoris expression system offers an economical approach to overcome all these limitations and gives a higher yield of correctly refolded recombinant peptides. In this study, improved heterologous expression of recombinant MgTx (rMgTx) in P. pastoris was obtained by using preferential codons, selecting the hyper-resistant clone against Zeocin, and optimizing the culturing conditions. About 36 ± 4 mg/L of >98% pure His-tagged rMgTx (TrMgTx) was produced, which is a threefold higher yield than has been previously reported. Proteolytic digestion of TrMgTx with factor Xa generated untagged rMgTx (UrMgTx). Both TrMgTx and UrMgTx blocked the Kv1.2 and Kv1.3 currents (patch-clamp) (Kd for Kv1.2 were 64 and 14 pM, and for Kv1.3, 86 and 50 pM, respectively) with comparable potency to the native MgTx. The analysis of the binding kinetics showed that TrMgTx had a lower association rate than UrMgTx for both Kv1.2 and Kv1.3. The dissociation rate of both the analogues was the same for Kv1.3. However, in the case of Kv1.2, TrMgTx showed a much higher dissociation rate with full recovery of the block than UrMgTx. Moreover, in a biological functional assay, both peptides significantly downregulated the expression of early activation markers IL2R and CD40L in activated CD4+ TEM lymphocytes whose activation was Kv1.3 dependent. In conclusion, the authors report that the Pichia expression system is a powerful method to produce disulfide-rich peptides, the overexpression of which could be enhanced noticeably through optimization strategies, making it more cost-effective. Since the presence of the His-tag on rMgTx only mildly altered the block equilibrium and binding kinetics, recombinant toxins could be used in ion channel research without removing the tag and could thus reduce the cost and time demand for toxin production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Umair Naseem
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Gabor Tajti
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Attila Gaspar
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Institute of Chemistry, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Tibor G Szanto
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Jesús Borrego
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Gyorgy Panyi
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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16
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Fischer T, Riedl R. Paracelsus' legacy in the faunal realm: Drugs deriving from animal toxins. Drug Discov Today 2021; 27:567-575. [PMID: 34678490 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Given the vast number of venomous and poisonous animals, it is surprising that only relatively few animal-derived toxins have been explored and made their way into marketed drugs or are being investigated in ongoing clinical trials. In this review, we highlight marketed drugs deriving from animal toxins as well as ongoing clinical trials and preclinical investigations in the field. We emphasize that more attention should be paid to the rich supply of candidates that nature provides as valuable starting points for addressing serious unmet medical needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Fischer
- Center of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW, Einsiedlerstrasse 31, 8820 Wädenswil, Switzerland
| | - Rainer Riedl
- Center of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW, Einsiedlerstrasse 31, 8820 Wädenswil, Switzerland.
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17
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Hu H, Mawlawi SE, Zhao T, Deuis JR, Jami S, Vetter I, Lewis RJ, Cardoso FC. Engineering of a Spider Peptide via Conserved Structure-Function Traits Optimizes Sodium Channel Inhibition In Vitro and Anti-Nociception In Vivo. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:742457. [PMID: 34621788 PMCID: PMC8490825 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.742457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Venom peptides are potent and selective modulators of voltage-gated ion channels that regulate neuronal function both in health and in disease. We previously identified the spider venom peptide Tap1a from the Venezuelan tarantula Theraphosa apophysis that targeted multiple voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels in visceral pain pathways and inhibited visceral mechano-sensing neurons contributing to irritable bowel syndrome. In this work, alanine scanning and domain activity analysis revealed Tap1a inhibited sodium channels by binding with nanomolar affinity to the voltage-sensor domain II utilising conserved structure-function features characteristic of spider peptides belonging to family NaSpTx1. In order to speed up the development of optimized NaV-targeting peptides with greater inhibitory potency and enhanced in vivo activity, we tested the hypothesis that incorporating residues identified from other optimized NaSpTx1 peptides into Tap1a could also optimize its potency for NaVs. Applying this approach, we designed the peptides Tap1a-OPT1 and Tap1a-OPT2 exhibiting significant increased potency for NaV1.1, NaV1.2, NaV1.3, NaV1.6 and NaV1.7 involved in several neurological disorders including acute and chronic pain, motor neuron disease and epilepsy. Tap1a-OPT1 showed increased potency for the off-target NaV1.4, while this off-target activity was absent in Tap1a-OPT2. This enhanced potency arose through a slowed off-rate mechanism. Optimized inhibition of NaV channels observed in vitro translated in vivo, with reversal of nocifensive behaviours in a murine model of NaV-mediated pain also enhanced by Tap1a-OPT. Molecular docking studies suggested that improved interactions within loops 3 and 4, and C-terminal of Tap1a-OPT and the NaV channel voltage-sensor domain II were the main drivers of potency optimization. Overall, the rationally designed peptide Tap1a-OPT displayed new and refined structure-function features which are likely the major contributors to its enhanced bioactive properties observed in vivo. This work contributes to the rapid engineering and optimization of potent spider peptides multi-targeting NaV channels, and the research into novel drugs to treat neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Hu
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - S E Mawlawi
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - T Zhao
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - J R Deuis
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - S Jami
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - I Vetter
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - R J Lewis
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - F C Cardoso
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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18
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Smallwood TB, Navarro S, Cristofori-Armstrong B, Watkins TS, Tungatt K, Ryan RYM, Haigh OL, Lutzky VP, Mulvenna JP, Rosengren KJ, Loukas A, Miles JJ, Clark RJ. Synthetic hookworm-derived peptides are potent modulators of primary human immune cell function that protect against experimental colitis in vivo. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:100834. [PMID: 34051231 PMCID: PMC8239465 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of autoimmune diseases is on the rise globally. Currently, autoimmunity presents in over 100 different forms and affects around 9% of the world's population. Current treatments available for autoimmune diseases are inadequate, expensive, and tend to focus on symptom management rather than cure. Clinical trials have shown that live helminthic therapy can decrease chronic inflammation associated with inflammatory bowel disease and other gastrointestinal autoimmune inflammatory conditions. As an alternative and better controlled approach to live infection, we have identified and characterized two peptides, Acan1 and Nak1, from the excretory/secretory component of parasitic hookworms for their therapeutic activity on experimental colitis. We synthesized Acan1 and Nak1 peptides from the Ancylostoma caninum and Necator americanus hookworms and assessed their structures and protective properties in human cell-based assays and in a mouse model of acute colitis. Acan1 and Nak1 displayed anticolitic properties via significantly reducing weight loss and colon atrophy, edema, ulceration, and necrosis in 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-exposed mice. These hookworm peptides prevented mucosal loss of goblet cells and preserved intestinal architecture. Acan1 upregulated genes responsible for the repair and restitution of ulcerated epithelium, whereas Nak1 downregulated genes responsible for epithelial cell migration and apoptotic cell signaling within the colon. These peptides were nontoxic and displayed key immunomodulatory functions in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells by suppressing CD4+ T cell proliferation and inhibiting IL-2 and TNF production. We conclude that Acan1 and Nak1 warrant further development as therapeutics for the treatment of autoimmunity, particularly gastrointestinal inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor B Smallwood
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
| | - Severine Navarro
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; The Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, QLD, Australia; Woolworths Centre for Child Nutrition Research, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, QLD, Australia
| | - Ben Cristofori-Armstrong
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
| | - Thomas S Watkins
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, The Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, QLD, Australia
| | - Katie Tungatt
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, The Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, QLD, Australia; Centre for Tropical Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology, James Cook University, QLD, Australia
| | - Rachael Y M Ryan
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; The Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, QLD, Australia; Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, The Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, QLD, Australia
| | - Oscar L Haigh
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Viviana P Lutzky
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jason P Mulvenna
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - K Johan Rosengren
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, The Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, QLD, Australia
| | - John J Miles
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; The Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, QLD, Australia; Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, The Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, QLD, Australia; Centre for Tropical Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology, James Cook University, QLD, Australia; Institute of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, University Hospital, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom.
| | - Richard J Clark
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia.
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19
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Reddiar SB, Jin L, Wai DCC, Csoti A, Panyi G, Norton RS, Nicolazzo JA. Lipopolysaccharide influences the plasma and brain pharmacokinetics of subcutaneously-administered HsTX1[R14A], a K V1.3-blocking peptide. Toxicon 2021; 195:29-36. [PMID: 33689790 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
KV1.3 is a voltage-gated potassium channel that is upregulated in neuroinflammatory conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. HsTX1[R14A] is a potent and selective peptide blocker of KV1.3 with the potential to block microglial KV1.3, but its brain uptake is expected to be limited owing to the restrictive nature of the blood-brain barrier. To assess its peripheral and brain exposure, a LC-MS/MS assay was developed to quantify HsTX1[R14A] concentrations in mouse plasma and brain homogenate that was reliable and reproducible in the range of 6.7-66.7 nM (r2 = 0.9765) and 15-150 pmol/g (r2 = 0.9984), respectively. To assess if neuroinflammation affected HsTX1[R14A] disposition, C57BL/6 mice were administered HsTX1[R14A] subcutaneously (2 mg/kg) 24 h after an intraperitoneal dose of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which is commonly used to induce neuroinflammation; brain and plasma concentrations of HsTX1[R14A] were then quantified over 120 min. LPS treatment significantly retarded the decline in HsTX1[R14A] plasma concentrations, presumably as a result of reducing renal clearance, and led to substantial brain uptake of HsTX1[R14A], presumably through disruption of brain inter-endothelial tight junctions. This study suggests that HsTX1[R14A] may reach microglia in sufficient concentrations to block KV1.3 in neuroinflammatory conditions, and therefore has the potential to reduce neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjeevini Babu Reddiar
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Liang Jin
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dorothy C C Wai
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Agota Csoti
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Gyorgy Panyi
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Raymond S Norton
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joseph A Nicolazzo
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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20
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Krishnarjuna B, Sunanda P, Villegas-Moreno J, Csoti A, A V Morales R, Wai DCC, Panyi G, Prentis P, Norton RS. A disulfide-stabilised helical hairpin fold in acrorhagin I: An emerging structural motif in peptide toxins. J Struct Biol 2020; 213:107692. [PMID: 33387653 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2020.107692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Acrorhagin I (U-AITX-Aeq5a) is a disulfide-rich peptide identified in the aggressive organs (acrorhagi) of the sea anemone Actinia equina. Previous studies (Toxicon 2005, 46:768-74) found that the peptide is toxic in crabs, although the structural and functional properties of acrorhagin I have not been reported. In this work, an Escherichia coli (BL21 strain) expression system was established for the preparation of 13C,15N-labelled acrorhagin I, and the solution structure was determined using NMR spectroscopy. Structurally, acrorhagin I is similar to B-IV toxin from the marine worm Cerebratulus lacteus (PDB id 1VIB), with a well-defined helical hairpin structure stabilised by four intramolecular disulfide bonds. The recombinant peptide was tested in patch-clamp electrophysiology assays against voltage-gated potassium and sodium channels, and in bacterial and fungal growth inhibitory assays and haemolytic assays. Acrorhagin I was not active against any of the ion channels tested and showed no activity in functional assays, indicating that this peptide may possess a different biological function. Metal ion interaction studies using NMR spectroscopy showed that acrorhagin I bound zinc and nickel, suggesting that its function might be modulated by metal ions or that it may be involved in regulating metal ion levels and their transport. The similarity between the structure of acrorhagin I and that of B-IV toxin from a marine worm suggests that this fold may prove to be a recurring motif in disulfide-rich peptides from marine organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bankala Krishnarjuna
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Punnepalli Sunanda
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Jessica Villegas-Moreno
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Centro de Investigaciones Químicas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Agota Csoti
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; MTA-DE-NAP B Ion Channel Structure-Function Research Group, RCMM, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Rodrigo A V Morales
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Dorothy C C Wai
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Gyorgy Panyi
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; MTA-DE-NAP B Ion Channel Structure-Function Research Group, RCMM, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Peter Prentis
- School of Earth, Environmental and Biological Sciences, Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia; Institute for Future Environments, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Raymond S Norton
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
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21
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Leung TCN, Qu Z, Nong W, Hui JHL, Ngai SM. Proteomic Analysis of the Venom of Jellyfishes Rhopilema esculentum and Sanderia malayensis. Mar Drugs 2020; 18:md18120655. [PMID: 33371176 PMCID: PMC7766711 DOI: 10.3390/md18120655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Venomics, the study of biological venoms, could potentially provide a new source of therapeutic compounds, yet information on the venoms from marine organisms, including cnidarians (sea anemones, corals, and jellyfish), is limited. This study identified the putative toxins of two species of jellyfish—edible jellyfish Rhopilema esculentum Kishinouye, 1891, also known as flame jellyfish, and Amuska jellyfish Sanderia malayensis Goette, 1886. Utilizing nano-flow liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (nLC–MS/MS), 3000 proteins were identified from the nematocysts in each of the above two jellyfish species. Forty and fifty-one putative toxins were identified in R. esculentum and S. malayensis, respectively, which were further classified into eight toxin families according to their predicted functions. Amongst the identified putative toxins, hemostasis-impairing toxins and proteases were found to be the most dominant members (>60%). The present study demonstrates the first proteomes of nematocysts from two jellyfish species with economic and environmental importance, and expands the foundation and understanding of cnidarian toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C. N. Leung
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China;
| | - Zhe Qu
- Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (Z.Q.); (W.N.)
| | - Wenyan Nong
- Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (Z.Q.); (W.N.)
| | - Jerome H. L. Hui
- Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (Z.Q.); (W.N.)
- Correspondence: (J.H.L.H.); (S.M.N.)
| | - Sai Ming Ngai
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China;
- Correspondence: (J.H.L.H.); (S.M.N.)
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22
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Xie Z, Zhao Y, Yang W, Li W, Wu Y, Chen Z. Methotrexate, a small molecular scaffold targeting Kv1.3 channel extracellular pore region. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 532:265-270. [PMID: 32863001 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.08.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Methotrexate (MTX) has been widely used for the treatment of many types of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and dermatomyositis. However, its pharmacological mechanism is still unclear completely. In this study, we found that MTX is a potent and selective inhibitor of the Kv1.3 channel, a class of potassium channels highly associated with autoimmune diseases. Electrophysiological experiments showed that MTX inhibited human Kv1.3 channel with an IC50 of 41.5 ± 24.9 nM, and 1 μM MTX inhibited 32.6 ± 1.3% and 25.6 ± 2.2% of human Kv1.1 and Kv1.2 channel currents, respectively. These data implied the unique selectivity of MTX towards the Kv1.3 channel. Excitingly, using channel activation and chimeric experiments, we found that MTX bound to the outer pore region of Kv1.3 channel. Mutagenesis experiments in the Kv.3 channel extracellular pore region further showed that the Dsp371, Thr373 and His399 residues of outer pore region of Kv1.3 channel played important roles in MTX inhibiting activities. In conclusion, MTX inhibited Kv1.3 channel by targeting extracellular pore region, which is different form all the report small molecules, such as PAP-1 and 4-AP, but similar with many natural animal toxin peptides, such as ChTX, ShK and BmKTX. To the best of our knowledge, MTX is the first small molecular scaffold targeting the Kv1.3 channel extracellular pore region, suggesting its potential applications for designing novel Kv1.3 lead drugs and treating Kv1.3 channel-associated autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zili Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Yonghui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Weishan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Wenxin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China; Biodrug Research Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Yingliang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China; Biodrug Research Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China.
| | - Zongyun Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, China; State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China; Biodrug Research Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China.
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23
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Tajti G, Wai DCC, Panyi G, Norton RS. The voltage-gated potassium channel K V1.3 as a therapeutic target for venom-derived peptides. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 181:114146. [PMID: 32653588 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The voltage-gated potassium channel KV1.3 is a well-established therapeutic target for a range of autoimmune diseases, in addition to being the site of action of many venom-derived peptides. Numerous studies have documented the efficacy of venom peptides that target KV1.3, in particular from sea anemones and scorpions, in animal models of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and multiple sclerosis. Moreover, an analogue of the sea anemone peptide ShK (known as dalazatide) has successfully completed Phase 1 clinical trials in mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis. In this article we consider other potential therapeutic applications of inhibitors of KV1.3, including in inflammatory bowel disease and neuroinflammatory conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, as well as fibrotic diseases. We also summarise strategies for facilitating the entry of peptides to the central nervous system, given that this will be a pre-requisite for the treatment of most neuroinflammatory diseases. Venom-derived peptides that have been reported recently to target KV1.3 are also described. The increasing number of autoimmune and other conditions in which KV1.3 is upregulated and is therefore a potential therapeutic target, combined with the fact that many venom-derived peptides are potent inhibitors of KV1.3, suggests that venoms are likely to continue to serve as a rich source of new pharmacological tools and therapeutic leads targeting this channel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabor Tajti
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Dorothy C C Wai
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Gyorgy Panyi
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary.
| | - Raymond S Norton
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia.
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24
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Kafarski P. Phosphonopeptides containing free phosphonic groups: recent advances. RSC Adv 2020; 10:25898-25910. [PMID: 35518575 PMCID: PMC9055344 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra04655h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphonopeptides are mimetics of peptides in which phosphonic acid or related (phosphinic, phosphonous etc.) group replaces either carboxylic acid group present at C-terminus, is located in the peptidyl side chain, or phosphonamidate or phosphinic acid mimics peptide bond. Acting as inhibitors of key enzymes related to variable pathological states they display interesting and useful physiologic activities with potential applications in medicine and agriculture. Since the synthesis and biological properties of peptides containing C-terminal diaryl phosphonates and those with phosphonic fragment replacing peptide bond were comprehensively reviewed, this review concentrate on peptides holding free, unsubstituted phosphonic acid moiety. There are two groups of such mimetics: (i) peptides in which aminophosphonic acid is located at C-terminus of the peptide chain with most of them (including antibiotics isolated from bacteria and fungi) exhibiting antimicrobial activity; (ii) non-hydrolysable analogues of phosphonoamino acids, which are useful tools to study physiologic effects of phosphorylations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Kafarski
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27 50-305 Wrocław Poland
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25
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Nguyen HM, di Lucente J, Chen YJ, Cui Y, Ibrahim RH, Pennington MW, Jin LW, Maezawa I, Wulff H. Biophysical basis for Kv1.3 regulation of membrane potential changes induced by P2X4-mediated calcium entry in microglia. Glia 2020; 68:2377-2394. [PMID: 32525239 PMCID: PMC7540709 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Microglia‐mediated inflammation exerts adverse effects in ischemic stroke and in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Expression of the voltage‐gated potassium channel Kv1.3 is required for microglia activation. Both genetic deletion and pharmacological inhibition of Kv1.3 are effective in reducing microglia activation and the associated inflammatory responses, as well as in improving neurological outcomes in animal models of AD and ischemic stroke. Here we sought to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of Kv1.3 inhibition, which remain incompletely understood. Using a combination of whole‐cell voltage‐clamp electrophysiology and quantitative PCR (qPCR), we first characterized a stimulus‐dependent differential expression pattern for Kv1.3 and P2X4, a major ATP‐gated cationic channel, both in vitro and in vivo. We then demonstrated by whole‐cell current‐clamp experiments that Kv1.3 channels contribute not only to setting the resting membrane potential but also play an important role in counteracting excessive membrane potential changes evoked by depolarizing current injections. Similarly, the presence of Kv1.3 channels renders microglia more resistant to depolarization produced by ATP‐mediated P2X4 receptor activation. Inhibiting Kv1.3 channels with ShK‐223 completely nullified the ability of Kv1.3 to normalize membrane potential changes, resulting in excessive depolarization and reduced calcium transients through P2X4 receptors. Our report thus links Kv1.3 function to P2X4 receptor‐mediated signaling as one of the underlying mechanisms by which Kv1.3 blockade reduces microglia‐mediated inflammation. While we could confirm previously reported differences between males and females in microglial P2X4 expression, microglial Kv1.3 expression exhibited no gender differences in vitro or in vivo. Main Points The voltage‐gated K+ channel Kv1.3 regulates microglial membrane potential. Inhibition of Kv1.3 depolarizes microglia and reduces calcium entry mediated by P2X4 receptors by dissipating the electrochemical driving force for calcium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai M Nguyen
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Jacopo di Lucente
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Yi-Je Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Yanjun Cui
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Rania H Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | | | - Lee-Way Jin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Izumi Maezawa
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Heike Wulff
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, California, USA
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26
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Nematocyst types and venom effects of Aurelia aurita and Velella velella from the Mediterranean Sea. Toxicon 2020; 175:57-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.12.155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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27
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Iwakawa N, Baxter NJ, Wai DCC, Fowler NJ, Morales RAV, Sugase K, Norton RS, Williamson MP. Conformational exchange in the potassium channel blocker ShK. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19307. [PMID: 31848433 PMCID: PMC6917819 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55806-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
ShK is a 35-residue disulfide-linked polypeptide produced by the sea anemone Stichodactyla helianthus, which blocks the potassium channels Kv1.1 and Kv1.3 with pM affinity. An analogue of ShK has been developed that blocks Kv1.3 > 100 times more potently than Kv1.1, and has completed Phase 1b clinical trials for the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. Previous studies have indicated that ShK undergoes a conformational exchange that is critical to its function, but this has proved difficult to characterise. Here, we have used high hydrostatic pressure as a tool to increase the population of the alternative state, which is likely to resemble the active form that binds to the Kv1.3 channel. By following changes in chemical shift with pressure, we have derived the chemical shift values of the low- and high-pressure states, and thus characterised the locations of structural changes. The main difference is in the conformation of the Cys17-Cys32 disulfide, which is likely to affect the positions of the critical Lys22-Tyr23 pair by twisting the 21–24 helix and increasing the solvent exposure of the Lys22 sidechain, as indicated by molecular dynamics simulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoto Iwakawa
- Department of Molecular Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto-Daigaku Katsura, Nishikyo-Ku, Kyoto, 615-8510, Japan.,Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Nicola J Baxter
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Dorothy C C Wai
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Nicholas J Fowler
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Rodrigo A V Morales
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.,CSL Limited (Bio21), 30 Flemington Road, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Kenji Sugase
- Department of Molecular Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto-Daigaku Katsura, Nishikyo-Ku, Kyoto, 615-8510, Japan
| | - Raymond S Norton
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia. .,ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
| | - Mike P Williamson
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK.
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28
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Liu Y, Zhang J, Wang R, Wu Y, Wang W, Xin X, Du M, Cao Y, Zhang H. Identification of novel Kv1.3 targeting venom peptides by a single round of autocrine-based selection. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 509:954-959. [PMID: 30648553 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Venom peptides are an excellent source of pharmacologically active molecules for ion channels that have been considered as promising drug targets. However, mining venoms that interact with ion channel remains challenging. Previously an autocrine based high throughput selection system was developed to screen venom peptide library but the method includes repetitious selection rounds that may cause loss of valuable hits. To simplify the selection process, next generation sequencing was employed to directly identify the positive hits after a single round of selection. The advantage of the improved system was demonstrated by the discovery of 3 novel Kv1.3 targeting venom peptides among which Kappa-thalatoxin-Tas2a is a potent Kv1.3 antagonist. Therefore, this simplified method is efficient to identify novel venom peptides that target ion channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaohui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China; College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Jiashuo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China; College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Ruikun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China; College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Yaxing Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China; College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Xiu Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China; College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Mingjuan Du
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| | - Youjia Cao
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China.
| | - Hongkai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China; College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China.
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29
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A Recurrent Motif: Diversity and Evolution of ShKT Domain Containing Proteins in the Vampire Snail Cumia reticulata. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11020106. [PMID: 30759797 PMCID: PMC6409789 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11020106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteins of the ShK superfamily are characterized by a small conserved domain (ShKT), first discovered in small venom peptides produced by sea anemones, and acting as specific inhibitors of voltage-dependent and calcium-activated K+ channels. The ShK superfamily includes both small toxic peptides and larger multifunctional proteins with various functions. ShK toxins are often important components of animal venoms, where they perform different biological functions including neurotoxic and immunosuppressive effects. Given their high specificity and effectiveness, they are currently regarded as promising pharmacological lead compounds for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Here, we report on the molecular analysis of ShKT domain containing proteins produced by the Mediterranean vampire snail Cumia reticulata, an ectoparasitic gastropod that feeds on benthic fishes. The high specificity of expression of most ShK transcripts in salivary glands identifies them as relevant components of C. reticulata venom. These ShK proteins display various structural architectures, being produced either as single-domain secretory peptides, or as larger proteins combining the ShKT with M12 or CAP domains. Both ShKT-containing genes and their internal ShKT domains undergo frequent duplication events in C. reticulata, ensuring a high level of variability that is likely to play a role in increasing the range of their potential molecular targets.
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Clark GC, Casewell NR, Elliott CT, Harvey AL, Jamieson AG, Strong PN, Turner AD. Friends or Foes? Emerging Impacts of Biological Toxins. Trends Biochem Sci 2019; 44:365-379. [PMID: 30651181 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2018.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Toxins are substances produced from biological sources (e.g., animal, plants, microorganisms) that have deleterious effects on a living organism. Despite the obvious health concerns of being exposed to toxins, they are having substantial positive impacts in a number of industrial sectors. Several toxin-derived products are approved for clinical, veterinary, or agrochemical uses. This review sets out the case for toxins as 'friends' that are providing the basis of novel medicines, insecticides, and even nucleic acid sequencing technologies. We also discuss emerging toxins ('foes') that are becoming increasingly prevalent in a range of contexts through climate change and the globalisation of food supply chains and that ultimately pose a risk to health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graeme C Clark
- CBR Division, Defence Science & Technology Laboratory, DSTL - Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 0JQ, UK.
| | - Nicholas R Casewell
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Christopher T Elliott
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University, Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Alan L Harvey
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK
| | - Andrew G Jamieson
- School of Chemistry, Joseph Black Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Peter N Strong
- Biomolecular Research Centre, Department of Biosciences and Chemistry, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, S1 1WB, UK
| | - Andrew D Turner
- Food Safety Group, Cefas, Barrack Road, The Nothe, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK
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Cnidarian peptide neurotoxins: a new source of various ion channel modulators or blockers against central nervous systems disease. Drug Discov Today 2018; 24:189-197. [PMID: 30165198 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2018.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Cnidaria provide the largest source of bioactive peptides for new drug development. The venoms contain enzymes, potent pore-forming toxins and neurotoxins. The neurotoxins can immobilize predators rapidly when discharged via modifying sodium-channel-gating or blocking the potassium channel during the repolarization stage. Most cnidarian neurotoxins remain conserved under the strong influence of negative selection. Neuroactive peptides targeting the central nervous system through affinity with ion channels could provide insight leading to drug treatment of neurological diseases, which arise from ion channel dysfunctions. Although marine resources offer thousands of possible peptides, only one peptide derived from Cnidaria: ShK-186, also named dalazatide, has reached the pharmaceutical market. This review focuses on neuroprotective agents derived from cnidarian neurotoxic peptides.
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Veytia-Bucheli JI, Jiménez-Vargas JM, Melchy-Pérez EI, Sandoval-Hernández MA, Possani LD, Rosenstein Y. K v1.3 channel blockade with the Vm24 scorpion toxin attenuates the CD4 + effector memory T cell response to TCR stimulation. Cell Commun Signal 2018; 16:45. [PMID: 30107837 PMCID: PMC6092819 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-018-0257-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In T cells, the Kv1.3 and the KCa3.1 potassium channels regulate the membrane potential and calcium homeostasis. Notably, during TEM cell activation, the number of Kv1.3 channels on the cell membrane dramatically increases. Kv1.3 blockade results in inhibition of Ca2+ signaling in TEM cells, thus eliciting an immunomodulatory effect. Among the naturally occurring peptides, the Vm24 toxin from the Mexican scorpion Vaejovis mexicanus is the most potent and selective Kv1.3 channel blocker known, which makes it a promissory candidate for its use in the clinic. We have shown that addition of Vm24 to TCR-activated human T cells inhibits CD25 expression, cell proliferation and reduces delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions in a chronic inflammation model. Here, we used the Vm24 toxin as a tool to investigate the molecular events that follow Kv1.3 blockade specifically on human CD4+ TEM cells as they are actively involved in inflammation and are key mediators of autoimmune diseases. METHODS We combined cell viability, activation, and multiplex cytokine assays with a proteomic analysis to identify the biological processes affected by Kv1.3 blockade on healthy donors CD4+ TEM cells, following TCR activation in the presence or absence of the Vm24 toxin. RESULTS The peptide completely blocked Kv1.3 channels currents without impairing TEM cell viability, and in response to TCR stimulation, it inhibited the expression of the activation markers CD25 and CD40L (but not that of CD69), as well as the secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ and TNF and the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, IL-10, and IL-13. These results, in combination with data from the proteomic analysis, indicate that the biological processes most affected by the blockade of Kv1.3 channels in a T cell activation context were cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, mRNA processing via spliceosome, response to unfolded proteins and intracellular vesicle transport, targeting the cell protein synthesis machinery. CONCLUSIONS The Vm24 toxin, a highly specific inhibitor of Kv1.3 channels allowed us to define downstream functions of the Kv1.3 channels in human CD4+ TEM lymphocytes. Blocking Kv1.3 channels profoundly affects the mRNA synthesis machinery, the unfolded protein response and the intracellular vesicle transport, impairing the synthesis and secretion of cytokines in response to TCR engagement, underscoring the role of Kv1.3 channels in regulating TEM lymphocyte function.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Ignacio Veytia-Bucheli
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Col. Chamilpa, 62210 Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico
- Posgrado en Ciencias Bioquímicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Juana María Jiménez-Vargas
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Col. Chamilpa, 62210 Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico
| | - Erika Isabel Melchy-Pérez
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Col. Chamilpa, 62210 Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico
| | - Monserrat Alba Sandoval-Hernández
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Col. Chamilpa, 62210 Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico
- Posgrado en Ciencias Bioquímicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Lourival Domingos Possani
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Col. Chamilpa, 62210 Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico
| | - Yvonne Rosenstein
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Col. Chamilpa, 62210 Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico
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Sunanda P, Krishnarjuna B, Peigneur S, Mitchell ML, Estrada R, Villegas‐Moreno J, Pennington MW, Tytgat J, Norton RS. Identification, chemical synthesis, structure, and function of a new K
V
1 channel blocking peptide from
Oulactis
sp. Pept Sci (Hoboken) 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/pep2.24073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Punnepalli Sunanda
- Medicinal ChemistryMonash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal ParadeParkville, VIC 3052 Australia
| | - Bankala Krishnarjuna
- Medicinal ChemistryMonash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal ParadeParkville, VIC 3052 Australia
| | - Steve Peigneur
- Department of Toxicology and PharmacologyUniversity of Leuven, O&N 2, Herestraat 49, P.O. Box 922Leuven, 3000 Belgium
| | - Michela L. Mitchell
- Medicinal ChemistryMonash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal ParadeParkville, VIC 3052 Australia
| | | | - Jessica Villegas‐Moreno
- Medicinal ChemistryMonash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal ParadeParkville, VIC 3052 Australia
- Centro de Investigaciones Químicas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de MorelosCuernavaca México
| | | | - Jan Tytgat
- Department of Toxicology and PharmacologyUniversity of Leuven, O&N 2, Herestraat 49, P.O. Box 922Leuven, 3000 Belgium
| | - Raymond S. Norton
- Medicinal ChemistryMonash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal ParadeParkville, VIC 3052 Australia
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Rangaraju S, Dammer EB, Raza SA, Rathakrishnan P, Xiao H, Gao T, Duong DM, Pennington MW, Lah JJ, Seyfried NT, Levey AI. Identification and therapeutic modulation of a pro-inflammatory subset of disease-associated-microglia in Alzheimer's disease. Mol Neurodegener 2018; 13:24. [PMID: 29784049 PMCID: PMC5963076 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-018-0254-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 240] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Disease-associated-microglia (DAM) represent transcriptionally-distinct and neurodegeneration-specific microglial profiles with unclear significance in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). An understanding of heterogeneity within DAM and their key regulators may guide pre-clinical experimentation and drug discovery. Methods Weighted co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was applied to existing microglial transcriptomic datasets from neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disease mouse models to identify modules of highly co-expressed genes. These modules were contrasted with known signatures of homeostatic microglia and DAM to reveal novel molecular heterogeneity within DAM. Flow cytometric validation studies were performed to confirm existence of distinct DAM sub-populations in AD mouse models predicted by WGCNA. Gene ontology analyses coupled with bioinformatics approaches revealed drug targets and transcriptional regulators of microglial modules predicted to favorably modulate neuroinflammation in AD. These guided in-vivo and in-vitro studies in mouse models of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration (5xFAD) to determine whether inhibition of pro-inflammatory gene expression and promotion of amyloid clearance was feasible. We determined the human relevance of these findings by integrating our results with AD genome-wide association studies and human AD and non-disease post-mortem brain proteomes. Results WGCNA applied to microglial gene expression data revealed a transcriptomic framework of microglial activation that predicted distinct pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory phenotypes within DAM, which we confirmed in AD and aging models by flow cytometry. Pro-inflammatory DAM emerged earlier in mouse models of AD and were characterized by pro-inflammatory genes (Tlr2, Ptgs2, Il12b, Il1b), surface marker CD44, potassium channel Kv1.3 and regulators (NFkb, Stat1, RelA) while anti-inflammatory DAM expressed phagocytic genes (Igf1, Apoe, Myo1e), surface marker CXCR4 with distinct regulators (LXRα/β, Atf1). As neuro-immunomodulatory strategies, we validated LXRα/β agonism and Kv1.3 blockade by ShK-223 peptide that promoted anti-inflammatory DAM, inhibited pro-inflammatory DAM and augmented Aβ clearance in AD models. Human AD-risk genes were highly represented within homeostatic microglia suggesting causal roles for early microglial dysregulation in AD. Pro-inflammatory DAM proteins were positively associated with neuropathology and preceded cognitive decline confirming the therapeutic relevance of inhibiting pro-inflammatory DAM in AD. Conclusions We provide a predictive transcriptomic framework of microglial activation in neurodegeneration that can guide pre-clinical studies to characterize and therapeutically modulate neuroinflammation in AD. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13024-018-0254-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric B Dammer
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Syed Ali Raza
- Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | | | - Hailian Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Tianwen Gao
- Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Duc M Duong
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | | | - James J Lah
- Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | | | - Allan I Levey
- Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
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Von Borowski RG, Macedo AJ, Gnoatto SCB. Peptides as a strategy against biofilm-forming microorganisms: Structure-activity relationship perspectives. Eur J Pharm Sci 2018; 114:114-137. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2017.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Prentis PJ, Pavasovic A, Norton RS. Sea Anemones: Quiet Achievers in the Field of Peptide Toxins. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10010036. [PMID: 29316700 PMCID: PMC5793123 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10010036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Revised: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Sea anemones have been understudied as a source of peptide and protein toxins, with relatively few examined as a source of new pharmacological tools or therapeutic leads. This is surprising given the success of some anemone peptides that have been tested, such as the potassium channel blocker from Stichodactyla helianthus known as ShK. An analogue of this peptide, ShK-186, which is now known as dalazatide, has successfully completed Phase 1 clinical trials and is about to enter Phase 2 trials for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. One of the impediments to the exploitation of sea anemone toxins in the pharmaceutical industry has been the difficulty associated with their high-throughput discovery and isolation. Recent developments in multiple ‘omic’ technologies, including genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics, coupled with advanced bioinformatics, have opened the way for large-scale discovery of novel sea anemone toxins from a range of species. Many of these toxins will be useful pharmacological tools and some will hopefully prove to be valuable therapeutic leads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Prentis
- School of Earth, Environmental and Biological Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia.
- Institute of Future Environments, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia.
| | - Ana Pavasovic
- School of Earth, Environmental and Biological Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia.
- Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia.
| | - Raymond S Norton
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia.
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Pérez-García MT, Cidad P, López-López JR. The secret life of ion channels: Kv1.3 potassium channels and proliferation. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2017; 314:C27-C42. [PMID: 28931540 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00136.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Kv1.3 channels are involved in the switch to proliferation of normally quiescent cells, being implicated in the control of cell cycle in many different cell types and in many different ways. They modulate membrane potential controlling K+ fluxes, sense changes in potential, and interact with many signaling molecules through their intracellular domains. From a mechanistic point of view, we can describe the role of Kv1.3 channels in proliferation with at least three different models. In the "membrane potential model," membrane hyperpolarization resulting from Kv1.3 activation provides the driving force for Ca2+ influx required to activate Ca2+-dependent transcription. This model explains most of the data obtained from several cells from the immune system. In the "voltage sensor model," Kv1.3 channels serve mainly as sensors that transduce electrical signals into biochemical cascades, independently of their effect on membrane potential. Kv1.3-dependent proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) could fit this model. Finally, in the "channelosome balance model," the master switch determining proliferation may be related to the control of the Kv1.3 to Kv1.5 ratio, as described in glial cells and also in VSMCs. Since the three mechanisms cannot function independently, these models are obviously not exclusive. Nevertheless, they could be exploited differentially in different cells and tissues. This large functional flexibility of Kv1.3 channels surely gives a new perspective on their functions beyond their elementary role as ion channels, although a conclusive picture of the mechanisms involved in Kv1.3 signaling to proliferation is yet to be reached.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Teresa Pérez-García
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Fisiología e Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular, Universidad de Valladolid y Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas , Valladolid , Spain
| | - Pilar Cidad
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Fisiología e Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular, Universidad de Valladolid y Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas , Valladolid , Spain
| | - José R López-López
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Fisiología e Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular, Universidad de Valladolid y Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas , Valladolid , Spain
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Moreels L, Peigneur S, Galan DT, De Pauw E, Béress L, Waelkens E, Pardo LA, Quinton L, Tytgat J. APETx4, a Novel Sea Anemone Toxin and a Modulator of the Cancer-Relevant Potassium Channel K V10.1. Mar Drugs 2017; 15:md15090287. [PMID: 28902151 PMCID: PMC5618426 DOI: 10.3390/md15090287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The human ether-à-go-go channel (hEag1 or KV10.1) is a cancer-relevant voltage-gated potassium channel that is overexpressed in a majority of human tumors. Peptides that are able to selectively inhibit this channel can be lead compounds in the search for new anticancer drugs. Here, we report the activity-guided purification and electrophysiological characterization of a novel KV10.1 inhibitor from the sea anemone Anthopleura elegantissima. Purified sea anemone fractions were screened for inhibitory activity on KV10.1 by measuring whole-cell currents as expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes using the two-microelectrode voltage clamp technique. Fractions that showed activity on Kv10.1 were further purified by RP-HPLC. The amino acid sequence of the peptide was determined by a combination of MALDI- LIFT-TOF/TOF MS/MS and CID-ESI-FT-ICR MS/MS and showed a high similarity with APETx1 and APETx3 and was therefore named APETx4. Subsequently, the peptide was electrophysiologically characterized on KV10.1. The selectivity of the toxin was investigated on an array of voltage-gated ion channels, including the cardiac human ether-à-go-go-related gene potassium channel (hERG or Kv11.1). The toxin inhibits KV10.1 with an IC50 value of 1.1 μM. In the presence of a similar toxin concentration, a shift of the activation curve towards more positive potentials was observed. Similar to the effect of the gating modifier toxin APETx1 on hERG, the inhibition of Kv10.1 by the isolated toxin is reduced at more positive voltages and the peptide seems to keep the channel in a closed state. Although the peptide also induces inhibitory effects on other KV and NaV channels, it exhibits no significant effect on hERG. Moreover, APETx4 induces a concentration-dependent cytotoxic and proapoptotic effect in various cancerous and noncancerous cell lines. This newly identified KV10.1 inhibitor can be used as a tool to further characterize the oncogenic channel KV10.1 or as a scaffold for the design and synthesis of more potent and safer anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lien Moreels
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium.
| | - Steve Peigneur
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium.
| | - Diogo T Galan
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium.
| | - Edwin De Pauw
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry-MolSys, University of Liege, Liege 4000, Belgium.
| | - Lászlo Béress
- Immunology and Rheumatology, Section of Peptide Chemistry, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover 30625, Germany.
| | - Etienne Waelkens
- Laboratory of Protein Phosphorylation and Proteomics, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium.
| | - Luis A Pardo
- Oncophysiology Group, Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine; Göttingen 37075, Germany.
| | - Loïc Quinton
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry-MolSys, University of Liege, Liege 4000, Belgium.
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium.
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Zidar N, Žula A, Tomašič T, Rogers M, Kirby RW, Tytgat J, Peigneur S, Kikelj D, Ilaš J, Mašič LP. Clathrodin, hymenidin and oroidin, and their synthetic analogues as inhibitors of the voltage-gated potassium channels. Eur J Med Chem 2017; 139:232-241. [PMID: 28802123 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Revised: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We have prepared three alkaloids from the Agelas sponges, clathrodin, hymenidin and oroidin, and a series of their synthetic analogues, and evaluated their inhibitory effect against six isoforms of the Kv1 subfamily of voltage-gated potassium channels, Kv1.1-Kv1.6, expressed in Chinese Hamster ovary (CHO) cells using automated patch clamp electrophysiology assay. The most potent inhibitor was the (E)-N-(3-(2-amino-1H-imidazol-4-yl)allyl)-4,5-dichloro-1H-pyrrole-2-carboxamide (6g) with IC50 values between 1.4 and 6.1 μM against Kv1.3, Kv1.4, Kv1.5 and Kv1.6 channels. All compounds tested displayed selectivity against Kv1.1 and Kv1.2 channels. For confirmation of their activity and selectivity, compounds were additionally evaluated in the second independent system against Kv1.1-Kv1.6 and Kv10.1 channels expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes under voltage clamp conditions where IC50 values against Kv1.3-Kv1.6 channels for the most active analogues (e.g. 6g) were lower than 1 μM. Because of the observed low sub-micromolar IC50 values and fairly low molecular weights, the prepared compounds represent good starting points for further optimisation towards more potent and selective voltage-gated potassium channel inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nace Zidar
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Aleš Žula
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tihomir Tomašič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marc Rogers
- Xention Limited, Iconix Park, London Road, Pampisford, Cambridge CB22 3EG, UK
| | - Robert W Kirby
- Xention Limited, Iconix Park, London Road, Pampisford, Cambridge CB22 3EG, UK
| | - Jan Tytgat
- University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Toxicology & Pharmacology, O&N2, PO Box 922, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Steve Peigneur
- University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Toxicology & Pharmacology, O&N2, PO Box 922, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Danijel Kikelj
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janez Ilaš
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Lucija Peterlin Mašič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Venom-derived peptides inhibiting Kir channels: Past, present, and future. Neuropharmacology 2017; 127:161-172. [PMID: 28716449 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Revised: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Inwardly rectifying K+ (Kir) channels play a significant role in vertebrate and invertebrate biology by regulating the movement of K+ ions involved in membrane transport and excitability. Yet unlike other ion channels including their ancestral K+-selective homologs, there are very few venom toxins known to target and inhibit Kir channels with the potency and selectivity found for the Ca2+-activated and voltage-gated K+ channel families. It is unclear whether this is simply due to a lack of discovery, or instead a consequence of the evolutionary processes that drive the development of venom components towards their targets based on a collective efficacy to 1) elicit pain for defensive purposes, 2) promote paralysis for prey capture, or 3) facilitate delivery of venom components into the circulation. The past two decades of venom screening has yielded three venom peptides with inhibitory activity towards mammalian Kir channels, including the discovery of tertiapin, a high-affinity pore blocker from the venom of the European honey bee Apis mellifera. Venomics and structure-based computational approaches represent exciting new frontiers for venom peptide development, where re-engineering peptide 'scaffolds' such as tertiapin may aid in the quest to expand the palette of potent and selective Kir channel blockers for future research and potentially new therapeutics. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Venom-derived Peptides as Pharmacological Tools.'
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Tanner MR, Tajhya RB, Huq R, Gehrmann EJ, Rodarte KE, Atik MA, Norton RS, Pennington MW, Beeton C. Prolonged immunomodulation in inflammatory arthritis using the selective Kv1.3 channel blocker HsTX1[R14A] and its PEGylated analog. Clin Immunol 2017; 180:45-57. [PMID: 28389388 PMCID: PMC5484050 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2017.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Revised: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Effector memory T lymphocytes (TEM cells) that lack expression of CCR7 are major drivers of inflammation in a number of autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. The Kv1.3 potassium channel is a key regulator of CCR7- TEM cell activation. Blocking Kv1.3 inhibits TEM cell activation and attenuates inflammation in autoimmunity, and as such, Kv1.3 has emerged as a promising target for the treatment of TEM cell-mediated autoimmune diseases. The scorpion venom-derived peptide HsTX1 and its analog HsTX1[R14A] are potent Kv1.3 blockers and HsTX1[R14A] is selective for Kv1.3 over closely-related Kv1 channels. PEGylation of HsTX1[R14A] to create a Kv1.3 blocker with a long circulating half-life reduced its affinity but not its selectivity for Kv1.3, dramatically reduced its adsorption to inert surfaces, and enhanced its circulating half-life in rats. PEG-HsTX1[R14A] is equipotent to HsTX1[R14A] in preferential inhibition of human and rat CCR7- TEM cell proliferation, leaving CCR7+ naïve and central memory T cells able to proliferate. It reduced inflammation in an active delayed-type hypersensitivity model and in the pristane-induced arthritis (PIA) model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Importantly, a single subcutaneous dose of PEG-HsTX1[R14A] reduced inflammation in PIA for a longer period of time than the non-PEGylated HsTX1[R14A]. Together, these data indicate that HsTX1[R14A] and PEG-HsTX1[R14A] are effective in a model of RA and are therefore potential therapeutics for TEM cell-mediated autoimmune diseases. PEG-HsTX1[R14A] has the additional advantages of reduced non-specific adsorption to inert surfaces and enhanced circulating half-life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark R Tanner
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Translational Biology & Molecular Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Rajeev B Tajhya
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Graduate Program in Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Redwan Huq
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Graduate Program in Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Elizabeth J Gehrmann
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kathia E Rodarte
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mustafa A Atik
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Raymond S Norton
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | | | - Christine Beeton
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Biology of Inflammation Center and Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Rangaraju S, Raza SA, Pennati A, Deng Q, Dammer EB, Duong D, Pennington MW, Tansey MG, Lah JJ, Betarbet R, Seyfried NT, Levey AI. A systems pharmacology-based approach to identify novel Kv1.3 channel-dependent mechanisms in microglial activation. J Neuroinflammation 2017. [PMID: 28651603 PMCID: PMC5485721 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-017-0906-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kv1.3 potassium channels regulate microglial functions and are overexpressed in neuroinflammatory diseases. Kv1.3 blockade may selectively inhibit pro-inflammatory microglia in neurological diseases but the molecular and cellular mechanisms regulated by Kv1.3 channels are poorly defined. METHODS We performed immunoblotting and flow cytometry to confirm Kv1.3 channel upregulation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated BV2 microglia and in brain mononuclear phagocytes freshly isolated from LPS-treated mice. Quantitative proteomics was performed on BV2 microglia treated with control, LPS, ShK-223 (highly selective Kv1.3 blocker), and LPS+ShK-223. Gene ontology (GO) analyses of Kv1.3-dependent LPS-regulated proteins were performed, and the most representative proteins and GO terms were validated. Effects of Kv1.3-blockade on LPS-activated BV2 microglia were studied in migration, focal adhesion formation, reactive oxygen species production, and phagocytosis assays. In vivo validation of protein changes and predicted molecular pathways were performed in a model of systemic LPS-induced neuroinflammation, employing antigen presentation and T cell proliferation assays. Informed by pathway analyses of proteomic data, additional mechanistic experiments were performed to identify early Kv1.3-dependent signaling and transcriptional events. RESULTS LPS-upregulated cell surface Kv1.3 channels in BV2 microglia and in microglia and CNS-infiltrating macrophages isolated from LPS-treated mice. Of 144 proteins differentially regulated by LPS (of 3141 proteins), 21 proteins showed rectification by ShK-223. Enriched cellular processes included MHCI-mediated antigen presentation (TAP1, EHD1), cell motility, and focal adhesion formation. In vitro, ShK-223 decreased LPS-induced focal adhesion formation, reversed LPS-induced inhibition of migration, and inhibited LPS-induced upregulation of EHD1, a protein involved in MHCI trafficking. In vivo, intra-peritoneal ShK-223 inhibited LPS-induced MHCI expression by CD11b+CD45low microglia without affecting MHCI expression or trafficking of CD11b+CD45high macrophages. ShK-223 inhibited LPS-induced MHCI-restricted antigen presentation to ovalbumin-specific CD8+ T cells both in vitro and in vivo. Kv1.3 co-localized with the LPS receptor complex and regulated LPS-induced early serine (S727) STAT1 phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS We have unraveled novel molecular and functional roles for Kv1.3 channels in pro-inflammatory microglial activation, including a Kv1.3 channel-regulated pathway that facilitates MHCI expression and MHCI-dependent antigen presentation by microglia to CD8+ T cells. We also provide evidence for neuro-immunomodulation by systemically administered ShK peptides. Our results further strengthen the therapeutic candidacy of microglial Kv1.3 channels in neurologic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srikant Rangaraju
- Department of Neurology, Emory University, 615 Michael Street, Suite 525, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
| | - Syed Ali Raza
- Department of Neurology, Emory University, 615 Michael Street, Suite 525, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Andrea Pennati
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, 53726, USA
| | - Qiudong Deng
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University, 615 Michael Street, Suite 525, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Eric B Dammer
- Department of Neurology, Emory University, 615 Michael Street, Suite 525, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Duc Duong
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University, 615 Michael Street, Suite 525, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | | | - Malu G Tansey
- Department of Physiology, Emory University, 615 Michael Street, Suite 525, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - James J Lah
- Department of Neurology, Emory University, 615 Michael Street, Suite 525, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Ranjita Betarbet
- Department of Neurology, Emory University, 615 Michael Street, Suite 525, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Nicholas T Seyfried
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University, 615 Michael Street, Suite 525, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Allan I Levey
- Department of Neurology, Emory University, 615 Michael Street, Suite 525, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
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Abstract
Covering: 2015. Previous review: Nat. Prod. Rep., 2016, 33, 382-431This review covers the literature published in 2015 for marine natural products (MNPs), with 1220 citations (792 for the period January to December 2015) referring to compounds isolated from marine microorganisms and phytoplankton, green, brown and red algae, sponges, cnidarians, bryozoans, molluscs, tunicates, echinoderms, mangroves and other intertidal plants and microorganisms. The emphasis is on new compounds (1340 in 429 papers for 2015), together with the relevant biological activities, source organisms and country of origin. Reviews, biosynthetic studies, first syntheses, and syntheses that lead to the revision of structures or stereochemistries, have been included.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Blunt
- Department of Chemistry, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand.
| | - Brent R Copp
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Robert A Keyzers
- Centre for Biodiscovery, School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Murray H G Munro
- Department of Chemistry, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand.
| | - Michèle R Prinsep
- Chemistry, School of Science, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
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45
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Ye F, Hu Y, Yu W, Xie Z, Hu J, Cao Z, Li W, Wu Y. The Scorpion Toxin Analogue BmKTX-D33H as a Potential Kv1.3 Channel-Selective Immunomodulator for Autoimmune Diseases. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:115. [PMID: 27104568 PMCID: PMC4848641 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8040115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2016] [Revised: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The Kv1.3 channel-acting scorpion toxins usually adopt the conserved anti-parallel β-sheet domain as the binding interface, but it remains challenging to discover some highly selective Kv1.3 channel-acting toxins. In this work, we investigated the pharmacological profile of the Kv1.3 channel-acting BmKTX-D33H, a structural analogue of the BmKTX scorpion toxin. Interestingly, BmKTX-D33H, with its conserved anti-parallel β-sheet domain as a Kv1.3 channel-interacting interface, exhibited more than 1000-fold selectivity towards the Kv1.3 channel as compared to other K+ channels (including Kv1.1, Kv1.2, Kv1.7, Kv11.1, KCa2.2, KCa2.3, and KCa3.1). As expected, BmKTX-D33H was found to inhibit the cytokine production and proliferation of both Jurkat cells and human T cells in vitro. It also significantly improved the delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses, an autoreactive T cell-mediated inflammation in rats. Amino acid sequence alignment and structural analysis strongly suggest that the “evolutionary” Gly11 residue of BmKTX-D33H interacts with the turret domain of Kv1 channels; it appears to be a pivotal amino acid residue with regard to the selectivity of BmKTX-D33H towards the Kv1.3 channel (in comparison with the highly homologous scorpion toxins). Together, our data indicate that BmKTX-D33H is a Kv1.3 channel–specific blocker. Finally, the remarkable selectivity of BmKTX-D33H highlights the great potential of evolutionary-guided peptide drug design in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Youtian Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Weiwei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Zili Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Jun Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Zhijian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Wenxin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Yingliang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
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The Kunitz-Type Protein ShPI-1 Inhibits Serine Proteases and Voltage-Gated Potassium Channels. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:110. [PMID: 27089366 PMCID: PMC4848636 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8040110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Revised: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI)-Kunitz-type protein ShPI-1 (UniProt: P31713) is the major protease inhibitor from the sea anemone Stichodactyla helianthus. This molecule is used in biotechnology and has biomedical potential related to its anti-parasitic effect. A pseudo wild-type variant, rShPI-1A, with additional residues at the N- and C-terminal, has a similar three-dimensional structure and comparable trypsin inhibition strength. Further insights into the structure-function relationship of rShPI-1A are required in order to obtain a better understanding of the mechanism of action of this sea anemone peptide. Using enzyme kinetics, we now investigated its activity against other serine proteases. Considering previous reports of bifunctional Kunitz-type proteins from anemones, we also studied the effect of rShPI-1A on voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels. rShPI-1A binds Kv1.1, Kv1.2, and Kv1.6 channels with IC50 values in the nM range. Hence, ShPI-1 is the first member of the sea anemone type 2 potassium channel toxins family with tight-binding potency against several proteases and different Kv1 channels. In depth sequence analysis and structural comparison of ShPI-1 with similar protease inhibitors and Kv channel toxins showed apparent non-sequence conservation for known key residues. However, we detected two subtle patterns of coordinated amino acid substitutions flanking the conserved cysteine residues at the N- and C-terminal ends.
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47
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Baell JB. Feeling Nature's PAINS: Natural Products, Natural Product Drugs, and Pan Assay Interference Compounds (PAINS). JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2016; 79:616-28. [PMID: 26900761 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.5b00947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 357] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
We have previously reported on classes of compounds that can interfere with bioassays via a number of different mechanisms and termed such compounds Pan Assay INterference compoundS, or PAINS. These compounds were defined on the basis of high-throughput data derived from vendor-supplied synthetics. The question therefore arises whether the concept of PAINS is relevant to compounds of natural origin. Here, it is shown that this is indeed the case, but that the context of the biological readout is an important factor that must be brought into consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan B Baell
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University (Parkville Campus) , 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3084, Australia
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48
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Harnessing the knowledge of animal toxins to generate drugs. Pharmacol Res 2016; 112:30-36. [PMID: 26826284 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2015] [Revised: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Animal toxins present high selectivity and specificity for their molecular targets, and have long been considered as prototypes for developing novel drugs, with some successful cases. In this regard, the variety of molecules found in animal venoms, which can be capable of affecting vital physiological systems, have providing the development of studies focusing on turning those molecules (toxins) into therapeutics to treat several diseases, such as chronic pain, hypertension, thrombosis, cancer, and so on. However, some important issues have been responsible for disrupting the toxin-based drug discovery projects. In this review, we have briefly highlighted the development of drugs based on animal toxins, discussing some successful cases as well as the main causes of failure, pointing out the recent strategies applied to overcome the difficulties related to the translational process in this kind of development scenario.
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Pérez-Verdaguer M, Capera J, Serrano-Novillo C, Estadella I, Sastre D, Felipe A. The voltage-gated potassium channel Kv1.3 is a promising multitherapeutic target against human pathologies. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2015; 20:577-91. [DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2016.1112792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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50
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Murray JK, Qian YX, Liu B, Elliott R, Aral J, Park C, Zhang X, Stenkilsson M, Salyers K, Rose M, Li H, Yu S, Andrews KL, Colombero A, Werner J, Gaida K, Sickmier EA, Miu P, Itano A, McGivern J, Gegg CV, Sullivan JK, Miranda LP. Pharmaceutical Optimization of Peptide Toxins for Ion Channel Targets: Potent, Selective, and Long-Lived Antagonists of Kv1.3. J Med Chem 2015; 58:6784-802. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b00495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Kristin L. Andrews
- Therapeutic
Discovery, Amgen Inc., 360 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
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